Seek the Lord while He may be found.

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.

“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4)

Several years ago I was in a meeting and a woman made the statement, “God didn’t make no trash.” She was making the point that God sees worth in each individual and their God given gifts, and tasks are of equal importance to those viewed as more important by the world.

When thinking about contributions that people can make, I at first thought about numerous biblical examples of people who were otherwise insignificant but whom God had chosen to do great things. Then I thought about those of more modern times, people like George Washington Carver, Gladys May Aylward, and the like, who came from obscure backgrounds but have been recognized by the world for what they have accomplished. But even these people are outnumbered by the “hidden figures,” those who never receive any recognition for the great things they have done.

Our church has been blessed with the resources and heart to serve those in our community through various ministries. While there are numerous stories about the people we have been privileged to help, one in particular comes to mind.  At one of the clothing events, a young boy came through with his mother. He had outgrown his shoes and needed a new pair. When he found a pair that he liked, he asked if it would be all right if he put them on to wear home. The response was yes. He looked at his old pair and said that maybe they could be used by another boy. Would it be all right if he left them? The response to that, too, was yes. This simple act “lifted up” all those who witnessed it – the women helping at the event, the mother, and the boy himself. 

Our scripture today reminded me of that story. Like the widow with her two coins, the boy had an offering of two somewhat worn shoes that he had outgrown. Yet he wanted them to help someone else. Out of what little he had, he gave a great gift.

Prayer:

God help us to see in each person that we encounter what you see and respond to them in a way that pleases you.

This devotion was written by Alvin Jenkins and read by Sally Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.